Some say that a failure to plan, is a plan to fail.
So, it's important, every once in a while, to take time to
consider trends and how it will effect our businesses and
communities. Almost 30 members and government officials had
this opportunity at our Metrofuture Forum last week. Below are
brief synopsis of demographic, economic and global trends most
likely to affect our region.

Slow Growth: Based on historical trends, MA
population growth will be slow, but steady. MAPC expects
465,000 new residents by 2030. This signifies an 11% growth
rate, compared to the Nation’s projected rate of 28%. Our
region will need to build 307,000 new housing units, however,
slow growth could turn into no growth if more people move out
or fewer immigrants move in.

An Aging Region: By 2030, our over- 55
population will increase by 75%. In 2030, one-third of our
residents will be 55 or older. This means that over-55 housing
will remain in demand, and it is anticipated that the
region-wide, school aged population will decline by 6%.
However, fast growing suburbs will still have enrollment
increases of 10%.

Increasing Diversity and Segregation: By
2030, MAPC expects that 31% of our region will be of non-White
race. If recent trends continue, most of this growth will be
confined to a dozen urban cities, and the racial mix of
suburbs will change little. This trend will increase
segregation and especially challenge urban school systems.

Moderate Economic Growth: MAPC projects that
our region may add 240,000 jobs (10.3%) by 2030. Half of all
new jobs will be in Professional and Business Services and
Education and Health Services. Mirroring national trends,
manufacturing jobs are expected to decrease 16%. High Tech may
decline from 12% to 8% of the region’s total employment.

Global Trends: Increasing demand for oil and
depletion of supplies is likely to drive up energy prices.
Global warming may also increase the demand for renewable
energy. Modernization of China, India and other countries will
increase international economic competition and off-shoring of
jobs at all skill levels.

For more information on the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council and their Metrofuture project, log onto mapc.org and
metrofuture.org.

Director
Spotlight: Ken Simms

Ken Simms has served as VP of Marketing for Hudson Savings
Bank since 1998. He currently chairs the Chamber’s Marketing
Committee and received his MBA from Lowell Tech.

Ken started in banking in 1974 and has extensive experience
in the areas of marketing, retail banking and bank
administration. He successfully completed the School of Bank
Marketing Program at the University of Colorado and is a
graduate of the School of Bank Administration and Management
at the University of Wisconsin. He resides in Leominster with
his wife. They have four grown sons, who are all (thank
heavens) on their own.

3.10 1st United Methodist Church of Hudson Corned Beef
and Cabbage Dinner. Open to all! Two seatings. Tix at
door. $25: Maximum family price. 34 Felton St. 978.562.2932.
www.hudsonfumc.com.

3.13 A Women's Guide to Financial Freedom presented
by Nancy Fredrickson of Edward Jones. This is a series of
classes taught at Assabet Valley Center for Continuing
Education. For more info, call 978.567.9729 or log onto
www.assabetafterdark.com.

3.16 and 3.17. Hudson Catholic HS presents Guys and
Dolls at the Marlborough Middle School. For more info or
tickets call 508.303.3717.

3.29 and 3.31. Forums on Climate Change based on
An Inconvenient Truth presented by Mark
Durrenberger of New England Breeze. Forums at Hudson Town
Hall. Durrenberger was one of 2000 volunteers recently trained
by Gore in TN. 3.29 Forum is at 7:30 pm. 3.31 Forum is at 3
pm. For more info, call 978.212.2665 or visit
www.newenglandbreeze.com.

How to Get
Your Event Listed

To get your event listed on the Chamber's Monthly Email
Bulletin, email information to info@assabetvalleychamber.org.
For additional listings, visit www.assabetvalleychamber.org.

Open
Enrollment for Health Insurance

April 1st is open enrollment for Chamber members and
employees. This is an opportunity for members to make changes
to their group policy or move from one carrier to another. In
general, the open enrollment period closes on April 30th.

If currently on a Chamber Plan, contact the administrator
directly. If not currently on a Chamber plan, but interested
in garnering more information, contact the Chamber at
978.568.0360 or info@assabetvalleychamber.org.